Home > Cultural Tours > Kerela

• A spectacular Kathakali recital - a dramatic dance form.
• A chance to see endangered species at the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary.

Kerala, a land of paradoxes and contrasts, nestles in the southwest corner of India. Some of the contrasts of Kerala can be found in the state capital of Trivandrum, former seat of the Maharajas of Travancore. Although the temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy that they built to honour their deity. Lord Vishnu, still physically dominates the bustling city, its secular and political importance is enough to warrant an international airport. The crowds, bazaars and activities of the new and growing urban India can also be seen in the busy, sprawling towns of Cochin, Quilon, Kottayam, Trichur, Callicut and Cannanore. All these urban centres are linked by trains and buses which pass through a startlingly lush Kerala - a Kerala of great natural beauty bordered by a shoreline where fishermen land their catch to more ancient and timeless rhythms. While the wealth of the sea satisfies the tastes of fish-loving Keralites, the land that it laps against is tilled to yield an equally generous harvest. Kerala is a land of surfeit -of fertility and fruition. It is an assault on the senses.

Overpowering in its abundance, its beauty is multifarious. While the golden beaches in Kovalam are pristine and primed for luxurious indulgence, its tranquil backwaters provide the perfect foil to a hurried soul and a busied mind. It is in this abundance that Ayurveda flourishes. The herbs, oils and the minerals that abound in this land of plenty, find their way into the "science of life". Ayurvedic principles believe in revitalising the mind whilst clearing the body of toxins. This is done through massages and baths using indigenous ingredients. In God's Own Country these massages are definitely heaven sent!

The land's bounty is not just natural, its culture and way of life is steeped in tradition and heritage. From the nuances of Kathakali to the intricacies of the rituals at the Meenakshi temple, Kerela's offerings are plentiful and fulfilling.

DAY 2 Mumbai-Trivandrum-Kovalam

Breakfast at hotel. Morning transfer to airport to board the flight to Trivandrum. Reception at airport upon arrival and drive to Kovalam (15 kms). On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day wander and relax on the beach.

DAY 3 Kovalam

Breakfast at hotel. Morning - city sightseeing tour of Trivandrum. Afternoon free for Ayurvedic massage. To experience the therapies you can either go for abhyangam or sirodhara - External application of medicated oil and massaging for about 45 minutes followed by bath. (Done for better blood circulation, relaxation of muscles and soothing effect on nervous system).

DAY 4 Kovalam

Early morning yoga & meditation lessons. Breakfast at hotel. Day free for Ayurvedic Massages (Optional).

DAY 5 Kovalam-Cochin

Breakfast at hotel. Morning - drive from Kovalam to Cochin(236 kms/5.5 hours) through enchanting villages and ghats of the beautiful tropical state of Kerala. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon - sightseeing tour of Cochin. Evening - witness a Kathakali dance performance.

DAY 6 Cochin-Allepey

Breakfast at hotel. Drive from Cochin to Alleppey (63 kms/1.5 hour) boat jetty. Accommodation in house boat for overnight cruise towards Kumarakom. These boats are traditionally called Kettuvallams. They are beautifully furnished, complete with a dining area, bedroom, an attached bath and a kitchen. The cruise is along the scenic backwaters of Kerala. En route stop at a coir making factory. (Bird watching life along canal). Lunch & dinner on board.

DAY 7 Onboard

Breakfast on board. Arrive at Kumarakom boat jetty.
Reception at the boat jetty and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 8 Kumarakom - Periyar

Breakfast at hotel. Drive from Kumarakom to Periyar (120 kms/3 hours). On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon - game viewing by boat. Here you cruise on the Periyar Lake, in cool surroundings.

DAY 9 Periyar-Madurai

Early morning game viewing by boat. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later drive from Periyar to Madurai (137 kms/4.5 hours). On arrival check in at hotel. Evening - Pooja ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.

DAY 10 Madurai - Mumbai

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai. Afternoon transfer from hotel to airport to board the flight to Mumbai. Reception upon arrival and transfer from domestic.